Unit 26 – health psychology task 1
P1, M1, D1.
In this assignment I will be explaining how concepts of health psychology, health and
also ill-health influence health related beliefs and behaviours. In this assignment I will
also be assessing the extent to which concepts of health psychology, health and ill-
health influence health related beliefs and behaviours.
‘Health psychology examines how biological, social and psychological factors
influence health and illness. Health psychologists use psychological science
to promote health, prevent illness and improve health care systems.’ Taken
from https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide/subfields/health. Data assessed
05/10/2022. Health psychologists use their understanding of psychology and health
to increase overall well-being and comprehend physical illnesses. In addition to
aiding those who are chronically unwell, they are specifically trained to assist people
in coping with the psychological and emotional effects of health and illness. Health
psychologists also concentrate on comprehending how individual’s react, cope, and
recover from illnesses.
A definition of health was developed by World Health Organisation (WHO). ‘Health
is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity.’ Taken from
https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution#:~:text=Health%20is%20a
%20state%20of,absence%20of%20disease%20or%20infirmity. Data assessed
06/10/2022. The definition has drawn a lot of criticism since it is perceived as being
out of date and because of the word ‘complete’ is used in a way that unwittingly
contributes to the medicalization of society. As a result, the majority of the public
would be considered to be generally unhealthy, which would promote pharma and
medical technology sectors’ tendencies as they collaborate with professional
associates. WHO adopted a new definition of health in 1984 after receiving
complaints about the previous version. ‘The extent to which an individual or
group is able to realize aspirations and satisfy needs, and to change or cope
with the environment.’ Taken from
http://www.med.uottawa.ca/courses/CMED6203/Index_notes/Definitions%20of
%20Health.htm#:~:text=This%20was%20amplified%20in%20the,or%20cope
%20with%20the%20environment. Data assessed 06/10/2022.
Ill health is defined as a ‘poor condition of a person’s body or mind.’ Taken from
https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/ill-health#:~:text=
%E2%80%8Bthe%20poor%20condition%20of%20a%20person%27s%20body
%20or%20mind. Data assessed 06/10/2022. Since this definition excludes people
who might be experiencing various sorts of ill-health, it is erroneous since it does not
consider other components of health, such as a person’s social wellbeing.
A positive definition of health psychology pertains to an individual’s physical,
emotional, intellectual, and social well-being In regards of not having any illnesses or
diseases. The scientific study of health assets – factors that lead to a longer life
expectancy, cheaper healthcare costs, better prognosis when sickness does strike,
and/or a greater level of physical fitness – is what we refer to as positive health.
1
P1, M1, D1.
In this assignment I will be explaining how concepts of health psychology, health and
also ill-health influence health related beliefs and behaviours. In this assignment I will
also be assessing the extent to which concepts of health psychology, health and ill-
health influence health related beliefs and behaviours.
‘Health psychology examines how biological, social and psychological factors
influence health and illness. Health psychologists use psychological science
to promote health, prevent illness and improve health care systems.’ Taken
from https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide/subfields/health. Data assessed
05/10/2022. Health psychologists use their understanding of psychology and health
to increase overall well-being and comprehend physical illnesses. In addition to
aiding those who are chronically unwell, they are specifically trained to assist people
in coping with the psychological and emotional effects of health and illness. Health
psychologists also concentrate on comprehending how individual’s react, cope, and
recover from illnesses.
A definition of health was developed by World Health Organisation (WHO). ‘Health
is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity.’ Taken from
https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution#:~:text=Health%20is%20a
%20state%20of,absence%20of%20disease%20or%20infirmity. Data assessed
06/10/2022. The definition has drawn a lot of criticism since it is perceived as being
out of date and because of the word ‘complete’ is used in a way that unwittingly
contributes to the medicalization of society. As a result, the majority of the public
would be considered to be generally unhealthy, which would promote pharma and
medical technology sectors’ tendencies as they collaborate with professional
associates. WHO adopted a new definition of health in 1984 after receiving
complaints about the previous version. ‘The extent to which an individual or
group is able to realize aspirations and satisfy needs, and to change or cope
with the environment.’ Taken from
http://www.med.uottawa.ca/courses/CMED6203/Index_notes/Definitions%20of
%20Health.htm#:~:text=This%20was%20amplified%20in%20the,or%20cope
%20with%20the%20environment. Data assessed 06/10/2022.
Ill health is defined as a ‘poor condition of a person’s body or mind.’ Taken from
https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/ill-health#:~:text=
%E2%80%8Bthe%20poor%20condition%20of%20a%20person%27s%20body
%20or%20mind. Data assessed 06/10/2022. Since this definition excludes people
who might be experiencing various sorts of ill-health, it is erroneous since it does not
consider other components of health, such as a person’s social wellbeing.
A positive definition of health psychology pertains to an individual’s physical,
emotional, intellectual, and social well-being In regards of not having any illnesses or
diseases. The scientific study of health assets – factors that lead to a longer life
expectancy, cheaper healthcare costs, better prognosis when sickness does strike,
and/or a greater level of physical fitness – is what we refer to as positive health.
1
